Tourism and meetings are major fixtures in the business landscape, particularly in Georgia’s capital city. This month, Signia by Hilton Atlanta opens its doors, marking the completion of the massive 976-key, ground-up hotel development (downtown’s largest in 40 years) and the third property in Signia by Hilton’s portfolio worldwide. Owned by the Georgia World Congress Center Authority and built on the repurposed foundation of the Georgia Dome, the hotel offers easy access to the Georgia World Congress Center, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and State Farm Arena. With more than 100,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and amenities, including a sprawling spa, beauty bar, and high-tech fitness center, it’s primed to host corporate events, board meetings, fundraiser galas, and more. Here, we chat with General Manager Teri Agosta, a 30-year Hilton brand veteran, about how the hotel plans to elevate the downtown hospitality landscape.
Give us a sense of the size of Signia by Hilton Atlanta. How will it change the hotel landscape in downtown?
Towering at 453 feet, Signia by Hilton Atlanta is the city’s largest downtown, ground-up hotel development project in 40 years. The 976-room hotel is a game-changer for the area due to its location, sheer size, and best-in-class amenities that promise to elevate the experience for locals and businesses hosting meetings and conferences in Atlanta.
Signia by Hilton Atlanta will offer direct access to the Georgia World Congress Center via a pedestrian walkway and is located steps from Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena, perfect for sports and entertainment fans and completely reshaping the way consumers view staying in downtown Atlanta for these events. In addition to eight food and beverage experiences, Signia by Hilton Atlanta offers a dedicated wellness floor that includes a spa, beauty bar, and fitness center. The hotel also features more than 100,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, including the largest hotel ballroom in Georgia. Signia by Hilton Atlanta is poised to have a defining impact as a leading tourism and convention driver.
What will such a massive property mean for businesses hosting meetings and conferences in town?
With more than 100,000 square feet of meeting space, including the state’s largest hotel ballroom, the property becomes a cornerstone for corporate events. Its proximity to the Georgia World Congress Center, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and State Farm Arena solidifies its appeal, offering unparalleled convenience for large-scale events in the area.
This is only the third Signia in the world. Why was Atlanta specifically, and Georgia in general, chosen for the brand expansion?
The choice of Atlanta for the expansion of the Signia brand reflects the city’s prominence as a hub for various industries, from Fortune 500 companies to a thriving entertainment scene and host of major sporting events. The decision also highlights Georgia’s overall significance as a destination. The brand aims to fill critical gaps in the hospitality industry by leveraging top-notch design, culinary experiences, and exceptional meeting capabilities, making Atlanta an ideal choice for such a premier hotel.
Most recently, you’ve come from working on another Hilton property in Cleveland, Ohio (with experience with the brand around the nation). How have you found the business and hospitality community in Atlanta?
Atlanta is one of the most dynamic and high-growth major markets in the country. The city’s unique blend of Fortune 500 companies, diversity of people, bustling entertainment industry, not to mention our extraordinary food scene, creates an environment ripe for opportunity. Additionally, the business and hospitality community is incredibly welcoming.
What will make the food and beverage offerings special? How do Georgia’s rich agricultural offerings factor in?
Our diverse and sophisticated culinary offerings from chef-driven concepts to stylish bars spearheaded by our incredibly talented team, will deliver an unmatched experience in Atlanta. The hotel will introduce a diverse variety of concepts, including three full-service restaurants and three bars, each helmed by a team of talented chefs. Highlights include Capolinea, an Italian-inspired kitchen; Nest on Four, an upscale sports bar; Homespun, a Southern breakfast destination; Highball, a pool bar featuring craft cocktails and Southern picnic favorites; in addition to in-room dining and Club Signia, a private lounge experience.
As part of the hotel’s commitment to honoring regional flavors, we will source produce and ingredients for its food and beverage outlets from several regional and local purveyors including The Spotted Trotter, Ellijay Mushrooms, and Engelman’s Bakery, among others.
